Side by side
| System | Running cost | Upfront cost | Typical life | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric storage | Higher, lower on off-peak | Lowest | 8 to 12 years | Like-for-like swaps and tight budgets |
| Gas storage | Medium | Low to medium | 8 to 12 years | Homes already on gas or LPG |
| Gas continuous flow | Medium | Medium | 15 to 20 years | Families who never want to run out |
| Heat pump | Lowest of the electric options | Medium, reduced by STCs | 10 to 15 years | Most coastal homes, especially with solar panels |
| Solar | Low | Highest, reduced by STCs | 15 to 20 years | Sunny roofs and long-term owners |
What the local climate means
The Sunshine Coast's warm, humid climate is close to ideal for heat pumps, which work best in mild air. On the coast they run efficiently all year. Up on the Blackall Range, winter mornings are cooler, so we recommend models rated for low temperatures and set to run in the middle of the day.
Salt air is the other big factor. Within about a kilometre of the surf, outdoor units corrode faster, so sheltered placement and coastal-rated models are worth it.
If you have rooftop solar
A heat pump or an electric tank on a timer can run in the middle of the day on your own solar power. For many homes with panels, this is cheaper than a separate solar hot water system and needs no extra roof work.
Incentives
Heat pump and solar hot water models listed on the Clean Energy Regulator's register are eligible for small-scale technology certificates (STCs) under the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, which reduce the upfront cost. State government programs change from time to time, so we'll tell you what currently applies when we quote.
How many people live in the home?
Household size decides the capacity you need. See the sizing table on our replacement page, and we'll confirm the right size on site.
Common questions
Is a heat pump better than solar hot water on the Sunshine Coast?
For homes with rooftop solar panels, a heat pump running during the day usually gives similar savings with less roof work. For homes without panels, both are good options, and solar systems often last longer.
What is the cheapest hot water system to run?
Heat pumps and solar are the cheapest to run. Of the two, a heat pump powered by your own rooftop solar is often the lowest cost of all.
Sources and further reading
- Business Queensland: hot water systems (temperature control devices on new and replacement systems)
- QBCC: Form 4 notifiable work (installing, replacing or removing a water heater)
- Clean Energy Regulator: solar water heaters and air source heat pumps (STC eligibility)
- Residential Tenancies Authority: emergency and routine repairs